Vidushi Gaur/ New Delhi

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, during his visit to Washington, emphasized India's commitment to peace and diplomacy while also highlighting the country's growing cooperation with the US on sustainable energy.

He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stance that “this is not an era of war,” urging peace-loving countries to rally around PM Modi’s call for diplomacy and conflict resolution. India, through its G20 Presidency and other international platforms, has consistently advocated for bringing warring nations to the negotiating table, as seen in its efforts to mediate in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Addressing India's diplomatic efforts, Puri mentioned PM Modi's and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s recent visits to Russia, where they held talks with Russian leaders, including President Vladimir Putin. PM Modi's call for resolving conflicts through dialogue, as conveyed in his meetings with both Russian and Ukrainian leaders, was central to these discussions. India’s balanced approach, focusing on food, fuel, and fertilizer security, has positioned the country as a key player in promoting peace, despite its continued oil trade with Russia.

Puri also tackled concerns over India’s energy relations with Russia. He dismissed suggestions of US pressure to reduce energy imports from Russia, pointing out that European countries continue to import more Russian energy than India. He further noted that Russia’s substantial oil production is vital for global market stability, helping to keep prices down.

On the energy front, Puri praised the US-India Strategic Energy Cooperation, lauding its significant progress in sustainable energy collaboration. He underscored India’s achievements in ethanol blending and the development of green hydrogen. India has reached its 10% ethanol blending target ahead of schedule and is now aiming for 20% blending by 2025, well before its original 2030 goal. Puri also expressed optimism about upcoming agreements between India and the US to further enhance cooperation in renewable energy and exploration.

In his meetings with US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, Puri highlighted the critical role of the Global Biofuel Alliance, in which India, the US, and Brazil are key partners. He also discussed India's decision to open up significant portions of its sedimentary basin for energy exploration, inviting global entities to collaborate in enhancing India’s energy sector.

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By simultaneously advancing diplomacy for global peace and strengthening its sustainable energy initiatives with the US, India aims to play a pivotal role on both the geopolitical and environmental fronts.